"It's a farce": The King demands loyalty in NRL

I never said anything about either's character. But you are throwing the term mercenary around. Saying I'll only play for a huge amount of money is kind of being one. But back on Mitchell. He hasn't gone back on his word. Why was it ok for Wally to change clubs, but it's not for Mitchell? The club are the only one looking to reneg on their agreement too.

Wally was offered a massive deal to play by an English club. He actually told them the only way he’d play is for x amount of money. When they came forward with the money he stuck to his word and played. If you think Lewis has the same character as Mitchell so be it. I think Wally is genuinely embarrassed by the players moving around at will from club to club chasing the most money. I have been lucky enough to speak to Wally. He’s a genuinely passionate bloke that was loyal to the people he played with. Incredibly hurt by those that betrayed him and money was secondary to your word in his opinion.

Loyalty, in professional sport? Get a grip Wally. 1950 was a loooooong time ago.

He hasn't said he wanted out. He was given an offer. He said he wanted to see what the market was and consider that before agreeing. Hardly unreasonable. The Roosters pulled their offer 4 days after he was allowed to start talking to the market. As for JT - well he moved between halfback and five eight actually. You also forgot Lewis played a season in England in the 80s - being the highest paid player in the game at that time.

I think the fact Mitchell has wanted out because he believes he should be on more than his existing contract is paying. It’s unfortunately how many players and mangers are operating. The fullback thing is just a smoke screen IMO. Latrell has won 3 of 16 games playing in the 1 jersey. In regard to Wally he was regard as a immortal playing at 6. What would JT have done if Green moved him to hooker or impact bench role ( Bulldogs position) to accommodate Te Martin or Clifford? It’s a different era and I suspect many players are out for as much as they can get in their pockets. What many forget is life is also about family, friends and memories. Playing rep football and winning premiership can be a rewarding experience. Money doesn’t always result in a great life experience and those that pay big money for your services don’t automatically become your BFF.

Also if we want to further address your character assasination of Mitchell. Greg Inglis signed a contract in 2016 that was $1M a year for the remainder of his career, ending at age 33. Mitchell's career started very similarly as Inglis, popping up between fullback, wing and centre before settling at centre merely due to having another good fullback at the club. Inglis also only made the Dally M team of the year twice his whole career, and never once did as a centre and has never made the Dally M Top 10. Latrell Mitchell is about to hit the prime of his career and the salary cap has also increased almost $3M a year since Inglis was signed on that. Why is Mitchell unreasonable to think he is worth near that?

*Sorry he never "rejected" it. He just didn't agree to it.

I'm no Bennett defender. But Wayne's calling time was because Wally refused to move to lock to accommodate Walters. How is Mitchell any different? He started at the Roosters and fully intends to see out his contract. Potentially wants to stay beyond this contract but just wants to see what the market is.

Thanks for your amazing contribution

Wally Lewis was an incredibly loyal player and man of his word. He started his career with Valleys because his father was the coach at the time. After 5 years he moved back to Wynnum were his father had played and an area in which he grew up from memory. Wally was continually approached by NSW clubs but never left Qld. How was joining the Broncos as Captain in their inaugural season disloyal? He played for the Gold Coast after Bennett ended his time with the Broncos. Bennett is the definition of a Rugby League mercenary. At no stage was Lewis disloyal to anyone during his Rugby League career IMO.

Yep. Players have been excused for much worse ...Jimmy the spitting foul mouthed jet , for example . Latrell may be lucky enough to partner him in the centres at the wabbits .

Not to be rude but you don’t come across as overly bright with your comments most of the time.

I have always thought salary cap con sessions should apply to junior players, fathers had represented the club before or a player had reached 10years of service at the club. Supporters are turned off by the mercenary behaviour of players and the NRL would do well to provide encouragement for loyalty.

Let me put this to you. I’m a player manager. I get a 10% retainer from my client’s contract fee. My client is contracted to team A for $400,000 p.a. for 2 more years. Is settled and playing for his junior team in his hometown. I think I can get him $550,000 p.a. if he moves to an out of town team. Who gains more from the proposed move?

I'd be happy to see Latrell Mitchell at the Rabbitohs but neither Richo or Bennett have expressed any interest and unless they move either AJ or (preferably) Gagai on Souths will have too many outside backs and not enough forwards. Still, fingers crossed.

If he can't change his attitude a bit he's in a bit of trouble where ever he goes. Easiest way to get some motivation , even temporarily, could be at the Bunnies you would think. Some are looking at his tries and goals and suggesting that everything is fine but that's ignoring the trend in his game which is heading backwards.

I like your idea

I take it you don’t try to earn as much as you can in your career?

No. He rejected it to explore his options. To see if it was enough. As for never playing fullback? No hasn’t he played there a bit for the roosters in the past? And his age is totally irrelevant. Is there a cut off where you are entitled to explore your options. I keep defending him because all these heroes online wanting criticise him when he’s only crime is not immediately agreeing to a contract, 14 months before it commences.

He rejected the Roosters offer because it wasn’t enough money. Please clear it up for me if it’s not being greedy. He wanted fullback money and to play fullback despite the fact he’s never played the position. He’s 22 and while he’s had a great start to his career he’s a long way from being elite. He should have taken a good deal at the Roosters instead of chasing the cash elsewhere. Not sure why you keep defending Mitchell when this is clearly his doing. Of he signs the deal that was offered to him, plays for two years and then at 24, he develops into an even better player, perhaps someone who can switch from the centres to fullback, although I don’t remember too many people doing this.